The Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, has resigned, citing deep disagreements with President Donald Trump over the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
In a statement posted Tuesday, Kent said he could not support the war, insisting that Iran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States.
“After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position effective today,” he said, adding that the conflict was unnecessary and driven by external pressure.
Kent, however, reaffirmed his support for Trump’s earlier foreign policy positions, praising what he described as a restrained approach to military engagement during the President’s first term. He pointed to past actions such as the killing of Qasem Soleimani and the defeat of ISIS as examples of decisive but limited intervention.
He further alleged that the current conflict was shaped by misinformation and lobbying influences, warning against what he described as a repeated pattern that previously led to costly Middle East wars.
Citing personal reasons, Kent said his decision was also informed by his experience as a combat veteran and the loss of his wife in war, stressing that he could not support sending more Americans into what he called an unjustified conflict.
He urged Trump to reconsider the administration’s approach, warning of long-term consequences if the war continues.
Kent, who was confirmed to the role in July, exits as the conflict enters its third week. U.S. officials say over 6,000 targets in Iran have been struck, while Tehran has responded with missile attacks and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating global concerns over energy security.
